Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children’s education, health, and youth services can seek Comis Foundation grants for staff professional development, leadership training, and other capacity-building needs. Awards range from US $5,000 - US $75,000 and may also support strategic planning, supplemental expertise, and innovative, multi-year efforts that help children explore, learn, and thrive.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program. Funding may support programs that advance equity, leadership, and skills development, and organizations led by people of color are prioritized, which may include staff or board professional growth efforts.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit victim service providers, tribes, and other eligible agencies in Colorado can seek funding to improve responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Colorado Division of Criminal Justice supports projects such as direct victim services, investigation and prosecution, comprehensive training, specialized units, multidisciplinary teams, education and prevention, and batterers intervention programs.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Colorado and across the U.S. can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and science programs that engage youth and build lasting impact. William Randolph Hearst Foundation funds program, capital, and limited general or endowment support for museums, performing arts organizations, arts schools, and related institutions with strong, sustainable results.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Colorado nonprofit organizations and accredited charities running humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts and culture projects may be eligible for support, including staff and leadership development tied to these programs. Grants from La Roche help fund innovative, sustainable initiatives managed locally in Colorado through its affiliate framework as part of a broader global philanthropy program.

Colorado nonprofits and other organizations working globally on health, education, and humanitarian relief can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation to support marginalized communities. Grants may benefit programs such as healthcare access, women’s and children’s health, literacy, and disaster relief in Colorado and other countries where the foundation is active.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Colorado seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical work can apply for grants from the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust, with funds to be used in the U.S. With a mission to strengthen broadly beneficial programs, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides nonprofits with support for well-managed services that significantly impact their communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in Colorado seeking to tell impactful stories about their work can apply for the Storytelling Grant, with awards of more than US $50,000. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports projects within its preservation, education, or wellness pillars, which can include leadership, teacher, or staff development storytelling initiatives.

Colorado public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations planning historic preservation projects can access funding through the National Trust for Historic Preservation, with awards from US $2,500 - US $5,000. Grants support planning, organizational capacity building, and education or outreach efforts that advance local preservation work and engage new audiences.

Colorado public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations preserving traditional cultures and historic sites can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 for planning, capacity building, and emergency interventions. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports activities like legal advocacy, archaeological surveys, public workshops, and preservation planning that may include staff training or consultant-led professional development.

Colorado nonprofits, schools, and government entities supporting women and girls can seek funding for education, workforce skills, and small business development programs. Focused on women’s economic empowerment, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation invites applicants serving its Colorado operating communities to propose initiatives that improve income, employment, and business outcomes, which may include staff or participant professional development components.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Colorado nonprofit executive directors and CEOs focused on wellness and healthy living can receive up to US $100,000 to fund a three- to four-month sabbatical, interim leadership, and staff capacity building in Colorado. Focused on leadership renewal, the Colorado Health Foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations advancing health and health equity to support long-term executives’ professional development and rejuvenation.

Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving marginalized older adults can apply for Next50 Foundation’s Colorado Organizational Resiliency (COR) Grant, with awards up to US $300,000 for strategic and capacity-building efforts. Funding can support strategic planning, partnerships, staff training, technology upgrades, and other initiatives that strengthen long-term organizational and financial resilience.

Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help Colorado 501(c)(3) organizations fund projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural programs, and environmental initiatives. U.S.-based nonprofits with at least three years of financial activity can request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project support, which may include staff or leadership development components.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects can receive $2,500 and professional exposure in Southwest Colorado through a volunteer-based partnership with the Durango Wine Experience. Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado supports organizations across multiple sectors and counties, offering both funding and a chance to build relationships with key community constituents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored projects serving Archuleta County can receive pooled proceeds from the 19th Hole summer concert series in Pagosa Springs to support their work. Grants from Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado help Colorado nonprofits that participate in event promotion, staffing, and collaboration benefit from this community-focused music festival funding opportunity.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Colorado can apply for Kerr Foundation grants to support education, arts and culture, health, and human services projects, including youth-focused work. Funding may cover capital needs, time-bound programs, or general operating expenses, which can include staff training and other professional development costs for nonprofit teams.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Colorado preserving battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures can seek $2,500 - US $10,000 for planning and education projects. With a mission to advance historic preservation, National Trust for Historic Preservation provides funding for professional expertise, capacity building, and outreach that may support staff development and training needs.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Colorado can use these grants to provide training, technical assistance, and other support for small rural businesses. Focused on rural economic and leadership development, USDA Rural Development invites applicants to fund activities like business counseling, feasibility studies, incubators, and long-term strategic planning for communities outside major urban areas.

Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups focused on professional leadership development for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or disabled adults can seek funding to strengthen their programs. Grants from Bonfils-Stanton Foundation help Colorado organizations in Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, and Jefferson counties provide equity-focused leadership development, with awards up to US $10,000 for innovative, community-centered approaches.